Callaway County hog farm opponents start petition

Opponents of a proposed hog breeding operation in central Missouri are circulating petitions against the plan.

Eichelberger Farms of Iowa plans to buy 20 acres from a private owner just south of Interstate 70 for a 10,000-hog confined animal feeding operation. It would have about 7,600 breeding sows and 2,700 other female swine being raised for breeding.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports the opponents want to show the Missouri Department of Natural Resources that they have broad support for fighting the breeding operation. The opponents also believe they have found a 15-year-old agreement that blocks the private owner from selling the land for the facility.

However, David Eichelberger, president of Eichelberger Farms, says the petition drive won't change his plans.